• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Choosing to Climb a Jungle Gym

This post is part of the #YPSportsChat Blog Series! This series will give young professionals an inside look at the intricacies of the sports business world and advice on how to navigate it.

By Candace Burton, @candacelburton

When it comes to your career, approaching it as a jungle gym is not a bad idea. Image via Backyard Zest

When it comes to your career, approaching it as a jungle gym is not a bad idea. Image via Backyard Zest

Growing up, life can seem very linear. We are expected to graduate high school, go to college, and get a job.

The major we choose at 17 is supposed to determine the rest of our lives. Our first job is an entry level job where we can work our way up. We may switch companies along the way, but the trajectory is supposed to be upwards.

A few years ago, I read Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In, and was introduced to this idea about careers as jungle gyms.

Want more great content like this? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!

Viewing careers through this lens, it means we have a chance to explore. It means we can take different paths and go into different fields. Most of all, we can feel relieved that we aren’t trapped.

There are many ways to get to where we want to go in life. When we take this approach, we can ask ourselves, “What risk do I want to take?” Risks can include moving across the country, taking a year off to do service or working in another industry or concentration.

“Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder”

– Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook

In my undergrad classes, I learned that the easiest way to break into the sports industry was by taking a sales job.

While most of the entry level jobs might be in sales, there are a lot that aren’t.

I knew early on that I was more of a community relations person than a sales person and embracing that has influenced me in so many positive ways.

Instead of sales, I decided to work at two nonprofits through Americorps VISTA, a national service program designed to help alleviate poverty. Opting to climb a jungle gym instead of a ladder has made a huge difference for me. Looking back, I couldn’t have chosen a better path.

In such a competitive industry like sports, sometimes we can get caught up in the ladder climb. We want the steps to be an Athletic Director or a General Manager. Instead, we should be thinking about what we want to do, what we want to experience and ultimately who we want to be.

Embrace the climb.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.
Sponsored

Women in Sports are Leveling Up

Three graduates of Ohio University’s Professional Master of Sports Administration shared their sports business success stories on FOS Fundamentals.

Celebrating 10 years of the Ohio University PMSA

The Professional Master of Sports Administration provides current, and aspiring, sports business executives a world class educational experience designed to accelerate their careers in today’s sport business marketplace.
Sponsored

Networking With Purpose

Investing in the Ohio University PMSA unlocks access to one of the largest sports business alumni networks in the world.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
Sponsored

Temple Takes Your Sports Career to the Next Level

If you want to break through to the C-Suite , Temple University’s Executive Master of Science in Sport Business can help you up your game and accelerate your career. 
Sponsored

UMass, McCormack Department of Sport Management Introduce Groundbreaking Women in Business Course

UMass’s Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management has announced the addition of a Women in Business course launching Spring 2021.
Sponsored

University of San Francisco Is Your Ticket to the Game

Rated the No. 1 Sports Management program in California, USF has been a leader in educating industry professionals for more than 30 years.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Sponsored

Sacred Heart University Gives Athletes and Students Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Professor Matthew F. Moran is training the industry’s next generation of exercise scientists at Sacred Heart University.
Sponsored

Ohio University PMSA Prepares Sports Professionals For New Normal

Two alumni of the Ohio University Professional Master of Sports Administration explain how they feel prepared for the future of sports.
Sponsored

Temple’s Sports Business Master’s Program Gives a Sports Media Pro Unique Perspective

Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism & Hospitality Management gave Sean Hanrahan the tools to elevate his career even after 30 years in the business.
Sponsored

Ohio University PMSA Virtually Prepares Alums For Industry Challenges

The Ohio University PMSA program offers flexibility and a sense of community ideal for the modern sports administration grad student.